Andrew Delaplaine - Clearwater & St. Petersburg: The Delaplaine 2020 Long Weekend Guide

CLEARWATER

ST. PETERSBURG

The Delaplaine

2020

Long Weekend Guide

Andrew Delaplaine

NO BUSINESS HAS PAID A SINGLE PENNY OR GIVEN ANYTHING TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK.

A list of the authors other travel guides, as well as his political thrillers and titles for children, can be found at the end of this book.

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Senior Writer - James Cubby

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WHY CLEARWATER ST. PETERSBURG?

I ts really all about the beach here in Clearwater, which consistently ranks among the top beaches in the U.S. (Look over any survey of best beaches and the ones here typically show up year-after-year.)

Embedded on the Pinellas Peninsula are excellent beaches strung out along 25+ miles of barrier islands.

Clearwater is at the northern end. At the south end is St. Petersburg Beach, the more crowded and congested of the cities here.

Moving north to Treasure Island, things get quieter as you go over to Sand Key. Here you have Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Redington Shores, Bellair Beach. Crossing the high bridge here takes you to Clearwater Beach.

St Petersburg derives its name from the city of the same name in Russia because one of its founders, Peter Demens, was from there. Demens was a pivotal figure in the development of St. Petersburg because he helped get rail service established in the late 1880s, spurring growth.

There are wildly juxtaposed entities here: youll find kitschy souvenir shops in the same area as the world headquarters of Scientology. Spring training brings the Philadelphia Phillies, who offer their games at Bright House Field, not far from the site of the original Hooters restaurant. Go figure.

The lifestyle in Pinellas County is decidedly more laid back than Miami and the East Coast cities in South Florida. Thats why people like it.

You will too.

WHERE TO STAY

A LDEN SUITES

5900 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727 360-7081

www.aldenbeachresort.com

Located on 5 acres overlooking the Gulf, this resort offers 140 suites with all the comforts of home (except you get a maid every day). Amenities include: free daily newspapers, free parking, tennis, state-of-the-art 12-person hot tub, high-speed wireless internet access, and flat-screen TVs. Activities include: basketball, shuffleboard, volleyball and ping pong. Two heated pools.

B AYVIEW PLAZA WATERFRONT RESORT

4321 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-367-2791

www.plazabeachresorts.com

Located directly across the street from the beach, this family owned and operated resort features just 7 suites. A charming and affordable small boutique resort. Heated pool overlooking the bay. Fitness room and fishing pier. Most rooms have private balconies.

T HE BEACHCOMBER BEACH RESORT AND HOTEL

6200 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-367-1902

www.beachcomberflorida.com

They have a private sandy beach with over 5 acres of lush tropical gardens. Sports bar, beach bar and live music. This resort offers a variety of activities, comfortable accommodations, two outdoor swimming pools, Jimmy Bs Beach Bar, live entertainment and dancing. Amenities include: High speed wireless internet access, 25-inch TVs, Fitness Center, Data Port Phones, and Business Center. Non-smoking rooms available.

T HE BIRCHWOOD

340 Beach Drive NE St, St Petersburg, 727-896-1080

www.thebirchwood.com

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

This classically decorated boutique hotel offers 18 modern guestrooms. Amenities include: complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, complimentary continental breakfast and bottled water. Hotel facilities include: on-site restaurant, bar, and rooftop lounge. Non-smoking & pet-free.

D OLPHIN BEACH RESORT

4900 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-360-7011

www.dolphinbeach.com

Located right on the Gulf, has a pool with sundeck, 173 rooms, Flippers Beach Bar, Boca Sands Grill, and 400 feet of sandy beach. Activities include: shuffle board, parasail, and variety of water sports. Free pool lounges. All rooms include microwave, refrigerator, satellite TVs, in-room coffee maker and hair dryer.

F RENCHY'S OASIS MOTEL

423 E Shore Dr., Clearwater, 727-446-6835

www.frenchysoasismotel.com

This small 15-unit is a retro boutique property, located 3 blocks from the world-famous beach. This renovated property features a variety of spectacular amenities, including rooms with fully equipped kitchens, a 40 flat screen TVs with Blu-Ray player, MP3 player docking stations, Terrazzo flooring and stunning views of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway from private balconies. Guests are greeted with a welcome package including complimentary menu items from all four Frenchs Restaurants and Clear Sky Caf .